Lancaster’s Curious ‘Eavesdropper’

Carved face known as the 'Eavesdropper' on the historic Bausman House, showcasing unique architectural detail.
📷: Michael Kendrick

Constructed in 1762 by German immigrant William Bausman, this stately cut-sandstone house stands out with its five-bay Georgian facade, a rare architectural gem in a city dominated by brick buildings. The second-story cornerstone features an alternative spelling of Bausman’s name—Bowsman—and unusually, it also includes his wife’s name, reflecting the deep partnership that helped build the household. Such recognition of a woman on a cornerstone was quite rare for the time.

The house’s most peculiar feature is the carved “eavesdropper” nestled beneath the west roof corner—a one-of-a-kind artifact in not only the Red Rose City, but also Lancaster County. Constructed in the days before air conditioning, this unblinking fellow served as a good reminder that voices on the street could easily be heard from inside open windows, especially during the hot summer months. Imagine the conversations that took place this close to the courthouse.

Close-up view of the eavesdropper carving on the Bausman House in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, highlighting its unique architectural detail against the backdrop of the historic building.

History of Eavesdropping

The word eavesdropper has been in use for over a thousand years, dating back to the 900s. It comes from the Old English word “yfesdrype,” which means place around the house where the rainwater drips off the roof. The meaning now as it was then is the same—someone listening to a conversation in secret.

A woman in historical clothing eavesdrops while peeking from behind a curtain, set in an 18th-century interior, surrounded by household items.

Beginning in the 1500s, carved faces were tucked into the “eaves” of ceilings as an architectural feature to serve as a reminder not to gossip because you never know who might be listening. The most famous eavesdropping figurines are found in Hampton Court Palace. King Henry VIII had these carved and painted figures added to the eaves of the palace’s Great Hall as a stern reminder to both staff and guests after he took ownership in 1529.

Despite Hampton Court’s enormous size, privacy was at a premium. As such, Henry VIII was aware of everything in his court through his courtiers and servants. Henry did not tolerate loose tongues among long ears. Those who spoke freely often did to dangerous consequences. Traitorous words could easily result in hanging, drawing, quartering, or beheading. In the Tudor court, it was best to see nothing, hear nothing, and say nothing.

Close-up view of carved wooden figures resembling eavesdroppers, integrated into the architectural beams of a historic building.

In the days before air conditioning, the unblinking fellow on the Bausman House served as a good reminder that voices on the street could easily be heard from inside open windows, especially during the hot summer months. Imagine the conversations that took place this close to the courthouse.

William Bausman: Patriot and Public Servant

William Bausman was more than a prosperous merchant and innkeeper; he was an ardent supporter of the Patriot cause from the earliest days of unrest with Great Britain. His civic involvement was extensive. He was a member of Lancaster’s Committee of Correspondence and later the Committee of Observation and Inspection, enforcing boycotts against British goods. His vigilance in pursuing violators underscored his commitment to independence.

During the Revolutionary War, Bausman played a critical role as Lancaster’s Chief Burgess from 1774 to 1777, a period of immense pressure when the city was flooded with refugees, militia, prisoners, and exiles. In 1777, he was appointed State Commissioner, responsible for managing the estates of Loyalists—those deemed traitors by Pennsylvania’s State Council of Safety.

Historic Bausman House, a cut-sandstone structure featuring a Georgian facade, with an inset carved face known as the 'Eavesdropper.' A vintage car is parked outside.
The Bowsman building, with the “eavesdropper” as it appeared circa 1962, nearly 200 years after it was built.

Bausman’s contributions didn’t stop at governance. As the owner of the Sign of the County House Inn, he secured contracts with both state and continental officials to provide essential provisions, such as beef and lamb, to the Continental Army. His position as barracks master at the borough’s prisoner-of-war facility placed him at the heart of wartime logistics and local efforts to maintain order.

Close-up of a carved face known as the 'Eavesdropper' on the exterior of the historic Bausman House in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
This “eavesdropper” serves as a reminder not to gossip on the street below. 

Where to go

To visit the Lancasterian Eavesdropper, travel to 121 East King Street and look up.

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Uncharted Lancaster Podcast

Take an even deeper dive with the Uncharted Lancaster Podcast. In this episode, we explore one of Lancaster’s most curious architectural details—the stone face known as the Eavesdropper carved into the exterior of the historic Bausman House.

Shop

A faithful replica of the carved face that watches East King Street from the historic Bausman House, available as a wall-mounted piece or magnetic Fridge Guardian. Inspired by Lancaster’s architectural folklore—where small details carry big stories. Available now in the Uncharted Lancaster shop.

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